After Ozempic, Women On Mounjaro May Be Overlooking A Serious Pancreas Problem

As use of Mounjaro continues to rise across the UK, particularly among women seeking rapid weight loss, health regulators are raising concerns about a serious but often overlooked complication: acute pancreatitis.

Mounjaro Use Among Women Continues to Rise

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has rapidly become a leading GLP-1 weight loss injection in the UK. As of June 2025, it is being prescribed through NHS primary care under a phased rollout following NICE approval and is also widely available via private clinics.

Awareness and use of GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist (RA) medications are notably higher among women. A UK survey presented at the European Congress on Obesity in May 2025 found that 87% of women were aware of GLP-1/GIP RAs, compared to 68% of men. The median age of respondents was 44, indicating strong interest and uptake among women under 45.

Additionally, clinical studies have shown that GLP-1 agonists are particularly effective for weight loss in women, including those with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is often associated with insulin resistance and weight challenges.

Overlapping Symptoms May Delay Diagnosis

Medical professionals have highlighted that common side effects of Mounjaro can closely resemble the early warning signs of pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas.

Patients using GLP-1 medications often report symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation during the early stages of treatment. As reported by a systematic review published in PubMed Central, these gastrointestinal effects are frequently observed with GLP-1 receptor agonists and may obscure early signs of pancreatitis, delaying diagnosis and care.

Because such symptoms are expected, many women delay seeking medical advice, assuming the discomfort is simply part of the weight loss process. This overlap can lead to delayed diagnosis, increasing the risk of complications such as infection, hospitalisation, or organ damage.

MHRA Reports and a UK Case Raise Concerns

According to the latest figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), more than 560 suspected cases of pancreatitis have been reported in the UK involving GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.

Out of those, at least 181 reports were linked specifically to Mounjaro (tirzepatide). Although causality has not been confirmed, 5 deaths have also been associated with these reports.

One case that attracted national media attention involves Julie Bishop, a 55-year-old woman from the UK. After ordering Mounjaro online and losing over two stone in two months, she was hospitalised with multiple pancreas-related attacks. Her story has intensified calls for better regulation and patient safety awareness.

UK Launches Genetic Screening to Investigate Risks

In response to growing concern, the MHRA and Genomics England have launched the Yellow Card Biobank, a national research initiative aimed at identifying individuals who may be genetically predisposed to experiencing serious side effects from GLP-1 weight loss injections.

Through saliva samples from affected patients, researchers aim to determine if genetic screening could one day guide safer prescription of drugs like Mounjaro, minimising the risk of severe complications such as pancreatitis.

Health Warning for Mounjaro Users

The MHRA continues to monitor reports of pancreatitis linked to GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Mounjaro.

Users are urged to watch for symptoms such as:

• Persistent upper abdominal pain, particularly if it radiates to the back
• Ongoing nausea or vomiting
• Unexplained fatigue or fever
• Tenderness when touching the belly
• Rapid pulse

If any of these symptoms occur, patients are advised to contact a healthcare professional immediately.

Suspected side effects can be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme, which plays a crucial role in tracking medication safety and improving treatment guidance.